Medical Malpractice: How Common Are Medical Mistakes?

Medicine is a difficult field, and it’s inevitable that doctors will make mistakes along the way. Some mistakes, however, rise to the level of malpractice, and the impact of medical malpractice can be devastating. Residents in California are no exception. Here are a few facts about medical malpractice and why hiring a San Francisco personal injury attorney or malpractice attorney can be a wise idea.

Recent Research

According to a study published by patient safety expert Dr. Hardeep Singh in the publication BMJ Quality and Safety, as many as 12 million people in the United States are misdiagnosed in emergency rooms or public health clinics. Among these 12 million, 6 million are potentially harmed from the misdiagnosis. Even more concerning, doctor errors or incorrect diagnoses can lead to 40,000 to 80,000 deaths annually.

Medical Ramifications

It’s worth nothing that medical and legal entities acknowledge that doctors, like all people, make mistakes. However, doctors who act negligently by failing to account for elements they should have noticed may be liable for the harm caused. Furthermore, doctors with a pattern of misdiagnoses who should have caught their errors earlier might be found guilty as well.

Legal Options

Speaking with a San Francisco personal injury attorney or malpractice attorney helps those who may have been a victim of misdiagnosis establish their options. While cases might ultimately be resolved in courts, doctors also typically have malpractice insurance, and settlements are frequent. Patients or family members with questions shouldn’t hesitate to ask for help.

Building a medical malpractice case can take time, but for those who’ve been affected by medical malpractice, doing so can help heal some of the harm caused. Not all mistakes are caused by malpractice, but taking an active approach by speaking with a San Francisco personal injury attorney or malpractice attorney is often the right first step if there’s any question.

Bracamontes & Vlasak are located in San Francisco, and their large staff provides expertise in a range of fields, including personal injury and malpractice law. Their network of offices provides access throughout the Bay Area, North California, and beyond.